Waeco CF40 fridge 240volt fault

Submitted: Saturday, Feb 10, 2018 at 19:14

ThreadID: 136253
Views:1156
Replies:3
FollowUps:13

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Richard S18

Waeco Woes

I have an older (13 years) CF40 Waeco fridge with the older non digital temp display and have a failure of the 240volt operation. When switched on to 240v it makes a loud cracking noise and does not operate. It works currently OK on 12v so the compressor is OK.....I previously had a lot of issues with the 5 second flashing light fault and had a local techo fit a larger 9amp resistor or similar. Worked fine on the Canning Stock Route last July and did not use it for months until a week ago when connected to 240V.
Any one able to suggest what the issue is as I am able to fit a new part if it can be identified presuming they are saleable still.
Cheers RichardS18

thanks for the follow up HKB Electronics.
...was a slight burn smell initially ..... when I opened up and looked at all the boards no sign of arcing or burning unless the power cord is shorting.
The internal unit which has the positive , negative and 5 other wires in a line was not easily accessible for photos etc.
A mystery so far......but am determined to fix it as it is such a waste to throw away for probably a more inferior one.

Ivan's suggestion of using an external power supply has merit.
As it happens, Seabreeze Industries (a reliable business) has just advertised a Dometic (Waeco) 240vac-12vdc 6 Amp power supply for $39.99 del free. Normally $99. Link here to Seabreeze then click on "Special Offers".

Thanks very much for that Alan. I will check them out and see if my model is suitable as it is an older non digital with a led display and turbo option which draws a bit more juice so have to make sure the draw is suitable for the inverter.

This product was the subject of a recall in December 2016.
The recall said "If the failure occurs it may cause the controller to overheat and partially melt, becoming a burn risk to consumers." It sounds rather like the condition you described.
Obviously, do not again try to connect it to 240v until it has been attended to, although there should be no problem to using it on 12 volt.
The 240v module can be replaced but if you are not able to identify the problem and that module then I would not recommend that you try to replace it yourself. Obtain competent assistance.

Thanks Alan for the reply and advice. I am wary of replacing 240volt parts.
I agree I think the recall was for the newer models as Ivan has said but I will check the Waeco website to make sure.
Cheers Richard

Thanks to all the people who were kind enough to respond.
Have spoken to the repairers EDIS in Wangara WA and they believe it is the electrical controller unit which requires replacing. Parts are $268 for our particular model.....so really too much I think to invest in an old and becoming more unreliable Waeco. No guarantees it will fully solve the issue and I bet a new problem will appear before too long....no more Waeco's for me....after much research I am inclined to go for the newer Engel steel case Platinum MT45FP for around $1279 with cover and expect better and longer lasting results with the electronics and the Sawafuji swing motor.I will try it on a 240 to 12v inverter though for a little more use hopefully.

Hi Richard,
Have you checked the lead, especially the end that plugs into the fridge. I had a similar problem out bush once so we naturally pulled the fridge apart only to discover a couple of hours later that one of the connectors in the female plug on the lead was burnt out.
Just a thought!